ParentsWorld April 2022 Archives

Demand explosion for Project Management

With 20 percent of global GDP being expended on infrastructure and construction projects, the demand for professionally qualified project managers is set to explode In the newly-emergent competitive global economy, project management is a skillset for which there’s huge and rising demand, given that an estimated 20 percent of the world’s GDP is being expended on infrastructure and construction projects of varying shapes sizes. And with many project management professionals scheduled to retire in the near future — which according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) will impact 64 percent of building and construction corporates worldwide — the demand for professionally qualified project managers is set to explode. Simply put, project management entails setting and achieving realistic project completion goals. It requires planning, organisation, and managing people and resources efficiently to achieve targets within set financial and time frames. Unlike specialist managers who supervise functional departments, project managers in effect oversee and co-ordinate the completion of entire projects. For instance, a project manager who’s overseeing the development of a new product of service will be required to supervise marketing, IT, and finance personnel. Inevitably, project managers (PMs) are pivotal players in industries such as construction, engineering, architecture, manufacturing and real estate. But career opportunities for PMs exist beyond these traditional industries. In the hi-tech, biotech and pharmaceutical industries for example, project managers are discharging responsibilities of launching new products, developing new technologies, and managing collaborative programmes with strategic partners. Moreover, large corporations such as insurance companies and banks are hiring PMs to implement new standards and practices in branch offices, and online businesses are leaning on PMs to oversee website launches and development of new applications. In short, when a project involves releasing a product, building a new office site or launching a rocket, PMs are called upon to make sure everything comes together within time and cost frames. Towards this end, they need to possess multi-tasking capability, analytical thinking, and excellent communication skills. STUDY PROGRAMMES. Education qualifications required of project managers vary according to the type of projects in which they specialise. For construction, a civil engineering degree is usually required. Hi-tech projects need PMs with a degree in electrical or computer science engineering preferably supplemented with postgrad business management education. General programmes apart, diploma programmes of the Project Management Institutes (which has an India office) or Prince 2 (Projects in Controlled Environment, version 2), UK provide an excellent understanding of the fundamental terminology and processes of effective project management. These diploma programmes are online examinations for which graduates can register at their convenience. “The demand for project managers has been rising exponentially in the past decade. Employment opportunities are aplenty in conventional infrastructure and construction companies in which remuneration packages at the entry level range between Rs.7-10 lakh per annum, rising to Rs.10-14 lakh in middle management, and Rs.14-20 lakh at senior levels varying from industry to industry,” says Anup Gandhi, manager (global production) of HERE Solutions India Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of the telecom giant…

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Should I force feed my Child?

My toddler looks thin and sick but he is healthy. My relatives are constantly pestering me to force him to eat more than his appetite demands. They are also pressuring me to introduce him to a diet that will increase his weight. Please advise. — Kamala Mou, Delhi Most people like chubby babies. But you need to make decisions based on his health, growth and development. If he is healthy and somewhere close to the standard weight expected for his age and height, no intervention is necessary. You don’t have to force him to eat more than his current diet. Overeating at this stage can lead to obesity and other problems in future. My two-year-old daughter has eosinophilia and often comes down with a cold. How can I boost her immunity? I am very worried as she is very young and I would like to avoid heavy doses of medicine. — Mallika Mani, Madurai Eosinophilia is a condition when there is increased number of eosinophils — a type of white blood cell which fights infections — in the tissues and/or blood. In your daughter’s case, eosinophilia is probably because of an allergic reaction. The allergen should be identified for further treatment. A healthy diet and unpolluted, clean living environment will ease the aggravation. Also, antihistamines can help in certain situations. My seven-year-old has itching in her buttocks and genital area. She keeps scratching until it bleeds. Should I consult a dermatologist or use soothing creams and gels to see if it will heal on its own? — Bamini Chandran, Hyderabad This could be enterobiasis pin worm infestation and is contagious, especially due to unhygienic bathroom practices. The entire family should deworm and clip fingernails and toe nails. It is vital for all of you to practice clean bathroom etiquette, mainly washing hands with soap after using the toilet, and keeping it clean always. My daughter had white patches on her eyes when she was a toddler. Now she is nine years old and has been asked to wear spectacles. Is there any co-relation between that condition and her current eye health? How can we improve her ocular power? — Gladis Praveen, Mumbai The problem requires examination and diagnosis of an ophthalmologist. There is no relationship between the patches and her refractive error. Her eye vision power can be controlled if she wears spectacles with the right prescription regularly. (Dr. Kuruvilla Thomas is consultant paediatrician, Sundaram Medical Foundation, Chennai)

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Pandemic spurs dads to become Hands on Parents

With parents forced to work from home and children learning at home, male parents had never-before opportunities to participate in child care, nurturance and education duties usually dispensed by overworked mothers, writes Aruna Raghuram If there is a bright spot of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and related restrictions, it’s that it gave millennial parents, in particular males, time and opportunity to bond with their children. With parents forced to work from home and children learning at home, male parents had never-before opportunities to participate in child care, nurturance and education duties usually dispensed by overworked mothers. A 2020 Harvard University study titled How the Pandemic is Strengthening Fathers’ Relationships with their Children revealed that 70 percent of male parents reported “feeling closer to their children” during the pandemic. According to the study, male parents reported “more meaningful conversations, sharing more with their children about their own lives, and discovered new, common interests”. In India as well, within middle class households, the pandemic spurred dads to get more involved in their children’s lives, and share household chores. “During the pandemic there has been a trend of dads pitching in to help with household chores and parenting responsibilities. But this trend is mostly among young parents in their 20s-30s, and in double-income households. This has enabled children to become better acquainted with male parenting and learn important lessons in gender equality,” says Dr. Gaurang Jani, a Ahmedabad-based sociologist with special interest in gender studies. Dr. Jani says that although parenting equations are changing with many dads transforming into hands-on parents during the pandemic, in traditional families, there is still a, “communication wall ” between fathers and children. “In conservative, traditional households, mothers are care givers and fathers are rarelyat-home financial providers. There is little involvement of dads in children’s day-to-day lives. This is unfortunate as active involvement of both parents helps to nurture happy, contented and healthy children,” he says. Several recent research studies have highlighted that children greatly benefit socially, cognitively and emotionally from greater involvement of male parents in child nurturance. A loving, supportive and involved father can contribute greatly to the children’s cognitive and social development as well as academic achievement. A 2019 University of Georgia study titled How Fathers, Children Should Spend Time Together found that the type of involvement — caregiving vs play — and the timing — workday vs non-workday — positively impacts the quality of fatherchild relationship. It concluded that fathers who spend considerable time “helping out with child care-related tasks on workdays develop the best relationships with their children”. Nidhi Sharma, a Mumbai-based family therapist and work-life balance coach, believes the unprecedented pandemic lockdown compelled parents to collaborate, cooperate and share household and parenting responsibilities. “Earlier, male parents tended to be less involved in child care. But with the pandemic having hugely disrupted family and work lives, fathers have had to step up and share parenting duties. Involvement and support of both parents positively boosted the confidence of young children. However in the case…

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Coping with Colic

The ordeal of comforting infants crying continuously for no apparent reason can be traumatic and frustrating for parents. Colicky babies tend to cry for two to three hours or more, almost every day, writes Mini P Colic — frequent, prolonged and intense crying or fussiness in an otherwise healthy infant — is every mother’s nightmare. The ordeal of comforting infants crying continuously for no apparent reason can be traumatic and frustrating for parents. Colicky babies tend to cry for two to three hours or more, almost every day. “It’s natural for parents to be anxious about their infant’s incessant crying with many unable to differentiate between colic and normal sobbing,” says Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta, head of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru. He advises parents to watch out for these symptoms of colic: • Reddening of the infant’s face • Clenching of fists or curling up legs when crying • Intense wailing like she in pain for no apparent reason • Sensitivity to overstimulation by the environment • Predictable timing. Colicky babies often get fussy toward the end of the day. REMEDIES Over the years, every imaginable remedy has been tried for colic — some work and some don’t. Every infant responds differently, so parents need to decide what works best for their child. Dr. Gupta suggests the following remedies. Avoid over-stimulation. Infants tend to get tired much faster than adults. Visitors and loud conversations unsettle infants and disturb their sleep. Therefore limit visitors and travel. Carry/hold the baby. Picking up your wailing baby may not always stop her crying. But, it always comforts and reassures her. Rock your child. Rocking your infant is soothing, and can help her to sleep. Speak to your infant. Hearing a mother’s voice calms infants and makes them feel secure and loved. Change the scene. Sometimes, a change of scene helps. Take her for a walk, show her toys, or just take her to the balcony. Check infant’s clothing. She could be overdressed in summer or may not be warm enough in winter. Ensure that her nappy/ diaper is dry, and that she is in comfortable clothing. GENERAL ADVICE • Calm down. If your anger or frustration is mounting, put her down for a while, or let someone else substitute. Parents need to calm down before trying to comfort colicky children. Or both can end up in a worse state than before. The colic phase, which usually starts at three or four weeks, ends when infants are 12 weeks (or earlier) old. Rest assured that colicky babies don’t suffer any adverse physical effects, and usually outgrow this phase. “Onefifth of all babies in India have colic, so it is common, and self-limiting,” says Dr. Gupta. However, he suggests seeking immediate medical help if you observe the flowing symptoms: • Sudden crying or behaviour changes • Lips or skin turning blue during crying • Crying is intermittent with a fever, vomiting, loose or bloody stools, or palpable mass in the abdomen.

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How to talk to children about the Ukraine invasion & why these conversations are important

The early months of 2022 have highlighted several distressing world events. From the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, protests against vaccine mandates and Covid restrictions, to the Russian invasion of Ukraine — there has been a lot to weigh on the hearts and minds of individuals and families around the world.

If you are a parent, grandparent, teacher […]

Sleeping under lights harmful for health

Sleeping under lights harmful for health Exposure to lighting during night sleep can harm cardiovascular functions and increase insulin resistance the following morning, say researchers at Northwestern University, USA. The study, published in the journal PNAS, tested the effect of sleeping with 100 lux (moderate light) compared to 3 lux (dim light) in participants over one night. The researchers found that moderate light exposure caused the body to go into a higher alert state called sympathetic activation. In this state, heart rate increases as also the force with which the heart contracts. “The results from this study demonstrate that just a single night of exposure to moderate room lighting during sleep can impair glucose and cardiovascular regulation, which are risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It’s important for people to avoid or minimize the amount of light exposure during sleep,” says Dr. Phyllis Zee, chief of sleep medicine at the university’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Sharing memories sets children on a path of better well-being Infants whose mothers received special coaching in talking about memories, grew into adolescents with better mental wellbeing, reveals a recent research study conducted by the University of Otago, New Zealand. The study found that 15-year-olds told more coherent stories about turning points in their lives if their mothers had been taught new conversational techniques 14 years earlier. Published in the Journal of Personality (2022), the study is a follow-up of a reminiscing intervention in which 115 mothers of infants were assigned to either a control group or trained in elaborative reminiscing for a year. Elaborative reminiscing involves having open and responsive conversations with youngest children about everyday past events. Prof. Elaine Reese, project lead, says adolescents whose mothers had participated in the coaching sessions narrated difficult events from their lives — such as parental divorce or cyber-bullying — with greater clarity and insights. “Our findings suggest that brief coaching sessions with parents early in children’s lives can have long-lasting benefits, for the way adolescents process and talk about difficult life events and for their well-being,” says Reese. WHO calls for better maternal and postnatal care On March 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its first ever global guidelines to support women and newborns in the postnatal period — the first six weeks after birth. Currently three in ten women and infants worldwide don’t receive any postnatal care in the first few days after birth — the period when most maternal and infant deaths occur. “The need for quality maternity and newborn care doesn’t stop once a baby is born. Indeed, the birth of a baby is a life-changing moment… Parents need strong healthcare and support systems, especially women, whose needs are too often neglected when the baby comes,” says Dr. Anshu Banerjee, director of maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and ageing at WHO. In its guidelines WHO recommends breastfeeding; provision of high quality care in health facilities/hospitals for women and infants for at least 24 hours after birth; encouragement of…

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Child mental health crisis shock I was shocked and distressed to read about the looming national child mental health crisis in your latest cover story (PW March). Over the past two years, the pandemic has severely disrupted family lives and children’s education. Children have had to face unprecedented challenges adjusting to the new normal of school closures, online classes, and lockdowns. Most of all, the lack of physical interaction with friends and teachers and outdoor play has caused children mental trauma and anguish. Schools, colleges and all educational agencies should make extra efforts to identify and counsel children suffering mental health problems. Many children are also likely to experience trouble readjusting to normative schooling and the stress of catching up with studies and learning loss. In particular youngest children will take a long time to learn socialisation skills and adjust to early childhood education. Rima Choudhry, Pune Confronting learning loss challenge Thanks for publishing an informative parenting magazine. I am a primary school teacher very worried about the huge learning loss children have suffered over the past two pandemic years. Though children attended online classes, I observed that many were not interested and motivated to learn. They also lost the habit of writing by hand, as all learning and assignments were computer-based. Now since schools have reopened, parents and teachers are finding it challenging to help children make good learning loss. Children are also stressed about the increased academic load and expectations. I agree that parents and teachers must also focus on children’s mental well-being, not solely academic success. Meena Khatiyar, Mumbai Indian cuisine treasures Thank you for the Recipes featuring drumstick leaves aka moringa. I remember we had a moringa tree in our backyard, and my grand mom used to often include drumstick leaves in her cooking. Our elders have known the benefits of moringa for several decades. But now because the Western world has discovered its medicinal and nutritional benefits, it’s become a superfood. There are many other such treasures in Indian cuisine. For instance, Indian spices such as turmeric, ginger, cumin, cardamom, dalchini and jeera have many health benefits. PW needs to highlight more recipes which use local food ingredients. Our children live in a world where it’s become normal to consume packaged foods. As parents we need to make the effort to ensure they eat home-cooked fresh food. Junk food should be the exception, not norm. Vashista Vaidya, Bengaluru Web info please I read the March issue of ParentsWorld for the first time and was very impressed with the high-quality editorial mix. Congratulations! I request you to also include a page on the latest internet resources and mobile apps that are useful to parents and children. There’s a wealth of information on the worldwide web and a reviews page written by an expert will help parents choose the best online educational/entertainment resources for children. Maya Mathur, Delhi Useful birthing plans advice I’m expecting my second child and was intrigued by your story on birth plans (PW…

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Letter from managing editor

Surely, it’s ironical that in a country with the world’s largest child population — 165 million of India’s children are below five years of age — and millions of them orphaned, abandoned and experiencing dreadful, joyless childhood experiences, a mere 3,142 were adopted in 2020-21 when the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated their pathetic condition. It’s not that Indians are averse to adopting children. According to the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) — a subsidiary of the Union ministry of women and child development — 26,000 prospective adoptive parents have been waiting to adopt children for several years. Adopting a child in India is a tedious, long drawn-out process mired in red tape and delay. Prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) have to jump through hoops of numerous archaic rules and regulations for three-four years. In October last year, a group of 250 PAPs wrote to Union women and child development minister Smriti Irani demanding urgent reforms in adoption norms in light of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic having orphaned over 30,000 children countrywide. The group demanded that the process is made faster and transparent against swelling illegal adoptions and trafficking of children orphaned by the pandemic. Indian society has a curious love-hate relationship with adopted children, and families that adopt them. Exaggerated importance is given to genetics and there is bewilderment when couples who already have biological children adopt. Nevertheless, with the rapid expansion of the middle class and a rising number of women deferring child birth to focus on their careers, there is a sharp rise in the number of couples and single men and women availing the adoption option. Moreover, hybrid families comprising biological and adopted children are becoming commonplace. However, in this issue of ParentsWorld, our focus is not on the pressing need for reform of child adoption laws. It is on what parents who have braved and completed the process need to do to make adopted children welcome, comforted and loved in their new homes. Our panel of experts provides professional advice on best ways to integrate adopted children into new home environments — when to let adopted children learn the truth, fielding questions about birth parents and siblings, to enabling them to cope with self-identity crises and strategies to bond with adopted children. Also check out the Early Childhood story on comforting colicky infants and Middle Years feature detailing the positive development of males transforming into hands-on parents during the pandemic. Moreover, a special essay advising parents on how to talk to children about contemporary tragedies such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine is highly recommended.

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Making adopted children loved and secure

Although there’s an urgent need to liberalise and rationalise child adoption rules and regulations, with an increasing number of enlightened couples braving the long, arduous and expensive process of child adoption, the focus of this feature is to prepare couples to successfully nurture adopted children after they have received official approval, writes Aruna Raghuram, Cynthia John & Summiya Yasmeen Through the centuries, Indian society has had a pragmatic attitude towards adoption and nurturance of adopted children. In Vedavyasa’s ancient mythological magnum opus Mahabharata which planted the seeds of Hindu dharma and philosophy, Karna, the only warrior in the Kaurava army regarded as a worthy equal to the mighty Arjuna of the rival Pandavas, was an adopted child. Similarly, Indian mythology and folklore is replete with stories of adopted children who were more loving and caring of their parents than natural progeny. Indeed in the 16-18th centuries in the Maratha kingdoms of Western and Central India founded by Chhattrapati Shivaji (1630-1680), widely regarded as India’s first successful revolutionary against foreign rule, it was quite common for adopted children to succeed kings and rajas, often in preference to dissolute natural-born offspring. In Indian society down to the present day, while there are many who believe that genes determine character — especially in industry and business — there is also strong sentiment that nurture rather than nature shapes the character and personalities of children. There is rising belief that given love and affection, adopted children can rise to highest positions in business, industry and society. In other societies around the world as well, there are numerous examples of adopted children who have not only grown into loving sons and daughters, but have reached pinnacles of success in their chosen careers and vocations. For instance, it’s not very well-known that Steve Jobs, the visionary Syria-born founder of Apple Inc, USA, currently the world’s most valuable company measured by market capitalisation ($2.77 trillion), was adopted and lovingly nurtured by an American couple. Ditto US President Bill Clinton and iconic movie star Marilyn Monroe. Likewise, Indian superstar of the 1970-1990-era Rajesh Khanna. Moreover, with increasing female participation in the labour force (FPLF) around the world and women deferring childbirth to later years as they build careers in industry and business, women’s child-bearing capability is continuously declining due to workplace and domestic stress. As a result, in several industrially developed countries, most notably in Japan, birth rates have fallen below replacement level. Therefore, it’s becoming quite common for married couples in European countries with low birth rates — though not in rapidly-ageing Japan — to adopt orphaned and unwanted children from economically under-developed countries in Asia and Africa. Against this Indian and global backdrop, it would be logical to assume given its young demographic profile — 500 million Indian citizens are aged below 24 years of age — this country would be a huge catchment area for people around the world to adopt Indian infants and children. However for fear of adopted children being used as domestic…

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Name it right with Aptronyms

This literary device owes its origins to American columnist and writer Franklin P. Adams, who coined it an anagram of patronym, i.e, apt Roopa Banerjee Aptronym is a personal name that aptly describes its owner. Aka aptonym or namephreak, the name describes the occupation or character of its owner, usually humorously. This literary device owes its origins to Franklin P. Adams (1881-1960), an American columnist and writer, who coined it as an anagram of patronym, i.e, apt. Some striking examples of aprtonyms are Alexander Graham Bell who invented the telephone, and Usain Bolt, Jamaican sprinter and three-time Olympic gold medalist. Then there are meteorologists who bear names such as Raines, Blizzard, Storm and Freeze. Latter day researchers have formulated an interesting hypothesis — nominative determinism — which suggests that people tend to be attracted to professions that fit their name. This hypothesis was first argued in 1994 in the New Scientist, following which numerous people wrote in with examples of nominative determinism. For instance, Daniel Snowman has authored a book on polar explorations. However aptronyms differ from nominative determinism because they don’t delve into the relationship of causality. Aptronyms have a long history in English literature. In the 17th century Christian allegory Pilgrim’s Progress, author John Bunyan used aptronyms for two of his characters Mr. Worldly Wiseman and Mr. Talkative. Charles Dickens, in particular, was a master of the literary aptronym. In A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is a miser and hard as flint; Oliver Twist presents the trio of fussy official Bumble, Grimwig and the burglar, Toby Crackit; in Hard Times the sombre Gradgrind and M’Choakumchild teach in Gradgrind’s school. A Tale of Two Cities has the Crunchers, a family of grave-robbers, and David Copperfield has the evil Murdstone, whose name suggests a blend of murder and tombstone. Similarly the bard William Shakespeare enjoyed using aptronyms. For instance the character Hotspur in King Henry IV is quick-tempered and impatient. His other memorable aptronyms include Shallow, Mistress Quickly, Bottom, Falstaff and Sir Toby Belch. In the 21st century, literary aptronyms made a big comeback in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. For example Draco Malfoy’s name defines his character with Draco being Latin for “dragon” and Mal foi French for “bad faith.” Slytherin is a blend of the words “sly” and “slithering.” Lord Voldemort means “flight from death” in French and “vole” is also a type of rodent. Professor Quirrel evokes images of a quarrel and squirrel. The books in The Hunger Games series are also bursting with characters with aptronyms. For instance Katniss (cat-like), Peeta (the bread maker), and Plutarch Havensbee (safe haven). Meanwhile, there are inaptronyms where an individual’s name has an ironic connection with her chosen profession. A police officer named Rob Banks or a white supremacist named Don Black. Exercise: Here is a list of names — aptronyms. Can you match them with their occupations? 1. Scott Speed 2. Chris Moneymaker 3. John Laws 4. William Wordsworth 5. Jules Angst 6. Amy Freeze Occupations: a. Meteorologist b.…

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Rainbow diet benefits

This ‘colourful’ diet provides children the vitamins and minerals required for healthy physical growth and cognitive development Johanna Preeti Shamma The common refrain of parents is that children are fussy eaters who especially detest vegetables. For them, some nutritionists recommend adopting a rainbow diet comprising colourful nutrients and phytonutrients-rich fruits and vegetables. This diet provides children the vitamins and minerals required for healthy physical growth and cognitive development. Moreover, a dash of ‘colour’ on the dining table makes food attractive and palatable to children. The rainbow diet can be adopted by the entire family. Ideally, it requires inclusion of 30 or more ‘colourful’ fruits and vegetables into weekly meals. Each colour represents specific phytochemicals/nutrients good for health. Initially include two to three different-colored fruits or vegetables in meals/as salads daily. Some colorful and health inducing fruits/vegetables which make up a rainbow diet are detailed below. Red Fruits and vegetables. Watermelons, tomatoes, pink guavas, grapefruit Phytonutrient. Lycopene from the vitamin A genre, potassium and vitamins C and K1 Health benefits. Improves cardio health, lessens skin damage, lowers risk of cancer and is an excellent antioxidant. Orange & Yellow Sweet potatoes, carrots, banana, tangerines, pumpkins, corn, pineapples. Carotenoids plus Vitamin A and C, potassium, folate and fibre Good antioxidants, improves cardiovascular and eye health. Green Broccoli, cabbage, herbs, spinach, avocados, asparagus Phytonutrients are chlorophyll and carotenoids from leafy greens and isothiocyanates, indoles and glucosinolates from cruciferous greens. Other nutrients: fibre, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A and K1 Anti-inflammatory antioxidants which lower cancer risk. Blue and Purple Purple cabbage, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, plums, and aubergines (brinjals) Anthocyanins. Also rich in vitamin C, K1 and B6, fibre and potassium Lowers risk of neurological disorders, cancer and diabetes, improves heart health and cognitive functions. Deep red Prickly pears and beetroot Betalains are the main phytonutrients. Other nutrients include fibre, potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, folate. Regulates blood pressure levels and builds strength and stamina. Brown and White Mushrooms, cauliflower, garlic, leeks, onion and radish Anthoxanthins rich in magnesium, fibre, potassium, folate, vitamins B6 and K1 Anti-inflammatory, reduces risk of colon cancer, improves heart health with antioxidants.

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Cool treats for hot days

During hot summer days, children crave sweet coolers to beat the heat. Instead of sugar rich fizzy colas, provide these natural sugar options Catharinal Silvia Mixed Fruit Sorbets Ingredients ½ sliced watermelon 2 sliced mangoes 2 bananas 2 glasses of lemon juice Sugar Preparation guide Slice the watermelon into small pieces and remove seeds. Blend watermelon slices in a mixer, strain and set aside. Blend bananas and sliced mangoes in a mixer until smooth. Mix six glasses of watermelon juice, lemon juice, and all other ingredients with sugar. Refrigerate until the mixture hardens (3-4 hours). After four hours, cut into small pieces and blend it again (not more than a minute) until it becomes creamy and thick. Serve creamy sorbet and garnish with mint leaves! Fruit Lollies Ingredients Bowl of sliced apples 100 gm pineapple cubes Few papaya slices Chocolate syrup Choco chips/ dry grapes (optional) 10 skewers Preparation guide Heat a pan on steady flame. Pierce fruit cubes with skewers, sprinkle sugar and mildly roast cubes on each side. Once roasted and caramelized, place the fruit skewers in a plate and drizzle with chocolate syrup. Garnish lollies with chocolate chips or raisins. Fruits are rich in fibre, induce good digestion, and detox the body. They contain vitamins A, B, C, E and K and minerals including potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Berry Blast Ingredients 2 cups lime juice 2 tsp honey syrup 50 gm berries (fresh or dry — raspberry, strawberry, blueberry) 4-6 mint leaves Ice cubes Preparation guide Blend 50 gm of raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry in a mixer. Add honey syrup to the mix. Cook the mix in a pan, stirring slowly until it thickens and acquires a jam-like consistency. Let it cool. Preferably in a tall glass, add 2 spoons of the berry puree to lime juice. Top with mint leaves and ice cubes. Fruit Trifle INGREDIENTS 1 cup thick cream 1 tsp vanilla essence 2 ½ cups milk 6 egg yolks ½ cup sugar Salt 3 tbsp cornflour 4-6 cups mixed fruits, orange, mango, watermelon, banana ¼ cup sugar Whipped cream 5 cookies Preparation guide For the custard Cook 2 ½ cups milk with 1 tsp vanilla essence. Once milk comes to a boil, add sugar and stir well. Cool. Whisk 6 egg yolks and thick cream in a separate bowl until mix is loose and fluffy. Add 3 tbsp cornflour, 2 tbsp water and a pinch of salt. Next add cooked milk into bowl, mix well and let the custard set in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. Trifle Crumble cookies and sprinkle at the bottom of a glass. Make the next layer with diced fruits. Next add a scoop of custard. Repeat the layers. Once done, top the trifle with whipped cream. Serve cold.

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Is it right to interfere in children’s career decisions?

My pre-teen daughter has been feeling upset about her physical attributes lately. How do I explain to her that these bodily changes are normal during puberty? — Mallika Velan, Coimbatore All teenage children — male and female — undergo physical and psychological changes during puberty. You could talk her through the process and also show old photographs of yourself and friends during your preteen and teen years. This will help her accept and prepare for adolescence. Most importantly, you need to counsel her to be well-groomed, eat right and healthy, exercise and remain physically fit. Avoid discussions about physical beauty. Instead encourage her to focus on academics and extracurricular activities which build confidence and life skills. Recommended:My daughter is hesitant to return to in-school class… Is it right to interfere in children’s career decisions? My 17-year-old daughter wants to pursue fashion design but my in-laws insist she studies science. How can I resolve this conflict? — Amita Patel, Ahmedabad Not many decades ago, career options were few and limited to science and engineering. Your in-laws, though well-intentioned, need to be educated that the careers and jobs market has diversified and exploded in the 21st century. Sit them down and explain career opportunities in fashion design as also the many success stories. Your daughter is at a crucial stage in her life and needs all support and encouragement to make a well-informed career choice. My son’s eyesight has deteriorated over the past year because of time spent on gadgets for academics and digital entertainment. Please advise how to restrict his digital screen time. — Ramesh Raj, Hyderabad It’s important to protect children’s eyes. You could install a screen guard or UV protect glass on all digital gadgets he uses. Limit screen time by setting clear rules on gadgets access and usage. It’s important for parents to be clear on how much screen time is permitted inclusive of online studies, entertainment, TV etc. Also include foods rich in vitamins and minerals in her daily diet. I missed eight years of my daughter’s childhood because I was busy completing my Ph D thesis. There is a void in our relationship, how do I fill it? — Shilpa Vineet, Mumbai Time lost is time lost, so don’t fret about it. You need to put in extra efforts now to bond with her. It’s never too late to start. Spend one-on-one quality time with her. Take her on holidays, go for long drives, engage in outdoor activities, etc. During these moments, talk about why you chose your career and how fulfilling the experience has been. Make a beginning now, nothing is lost. Don’t feel guilty and focus on building a holistic relationship with your daughter. (Dr. Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi is a parenting coach, founder – Get Set Parent, and vice-president, Early Childhood Association of India)

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Identifying and nurturing natural talent

PW invited parents of ATS Valley School, Dera Bassi (Punjab), to share insights on how they help children identify and build their talents “All children are born with innate intelligences and the best way to hone their talents is to provide children with ample opportunities and carefully observe their progress. Given that children are fickle-minded with fleeting interests, we need to guide them patiently. Like a kite flyer who allows his kite to fly free in the sky and cuts the string only when the need arises, I have assumed the role of guide and best friend to my daughter Rushi (class V) giving her all the freedom to experiment” — Ritu Manocha, homemaker Most of us secretly nurture ambitious dreams for our children but forget that every child is unique with her own set of desires and goals. Sometimes I have been tempted to sign up my son Aryavir (15) for a game/activity only to relive my own childhood. But it’s important to become aware of our children’s interests and aid and encourage them. By providing them opportunities, encouragement and freedom to discover who they are, I believe we can ensure their future success.” — Shivali Narula, homemaker. Our unique attributes make us different from each other. I can’t thank the teachers and staff of ATS Valley School enough for bringing out the uniqueness of my daughter Nayra (class I) who is privileged to learn in stimulating environments at school and at home. I believe early childhood is the ideal time to guide a child towards her natural talents by exposing her to multiple activities so she can be trained in her choice of activity, before serious academic pressure kicks in.” — Parul Kaushik, homemaker. I accept and encourage the aspirations of my children — Mehul (class I) and Mivaan (LKG) — related to any activity or activities they are keen to pursue. I also keep my ears and eyes open for hints that they may drop while discussing their likes and dislikes. Most children are ever curious about the world around them. Repeated requests to visit a certain place or engage in an activity are other cues to watch out for.” — Anita Jain, operations head at GLS Export Corporation, Mohali.

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Rest & recreation in Al Ain

What Goa is to Mumbai, Al Ain is to Dubai — a well-developed holiday destination offering footsore shopaholics a feast of rest and recreation opportunities History is likely to prove that the rulers of the tiny port city state of Dubai (pop. 3.49 million) were considerably wiser than the sheikhs and princes of other states, nations and kingdoms of the Middle East. For over four decades, Dubai has progressively reduced its dependence on crude oil revenue and has metamorphosed into a thriving entrepot and shopping mecca attracting shopaholics from around the world, and South Asia in particular. Last year an estimated 900,000 visitors from India visited or transited through Dubai and the number is growing at nearly 15 percent per year. Contrary to popular opinion, there’s more to Dubai than mere shopping and gourmandising. For a start, it’s important for visitors to appreciate this port city is a self-administered constituent of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven independent sheikhdoms which represent the liberal accommodating spirit of Islam, widely perceived as uncompromisingly militant. Unlike most Middle Eastern countries, the emirates with their high tolerance of tourists from West and East have a thriving tourism industry. With an aggregate population of 9.89 million, the UAE comprises Abu Dhabi (Abu Zaby), Ajman, Dubai, Al Fujayrah, Raas al Khaymah, Ash Shariqah aka Sharjah, and Umm al Qaywayn and sprawls over an area of 83,600 sq km with a 1,318 km coastline. Although contemporary Dubai is also promoted as a holiday destination in its own right with white sandy beaches stretching to the horizon, exclusive hotels, Ali Baba’s cave style shopping malls and activities such as snow-skiing, desert safari, camel and ostrich racing, dune and wadi bashing, the UAE’s prime holiday destination is Al Ain, the tourist town of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, a 90-minute drive (144 km) from Dubai. What Goa is to Mumbai, Al Ain is to Dubai − a well-developed holiday destination offering footsore shopaholics a feast of rest and recreation opportunities. Built around an oasis close to the Dubai-Oman border, Al Ain (pop. 766,000) is a green low-rise city sited in the shade of the Jebel Hafeet mountains. Surrounded by awesome red sand dunes and the craggy Jebel Hafeet range of mountains, Al Ain is linked by excellent motorable roads to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. The drive from Dubai to Al Ain down an eight-lane autobahn-style motorway is just over an hour. Blessed with generous groundwater resources and self-renewing aquifers, Al Ain is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the UAE, often described as the ‘garden city of the Gulf’. In Arabic Al Ain translates into ‘spring’ and the region with its ancient but efficient non-mechanised falaj irrigation system boasts sprawling date plantations. Al Ain has a history which can be traced back over four millennia as evidenced by numerous archaeological excavation sites which date settlements to around 3000 BC. Its more recent history is centered around seven restored plantations or oases where 42…

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